Creative Problem Solving

Donald J. Treffinger, Ph.D., was the president of the Center for Creative Learning in Sarasota, FL. He earned a master's degree and a doctoral degree in educational psychology from Cornell University. Treffinger previously has been a member of the faculty at Purdue University, the University of Kansas, and Buffalo State College. He now is a member of the Gifted Child Quarterly Advisory Board and has served as editor of that journal and as editor-in-chief of Parenting for High Potential, NAGC's quarterly magazine for parents.Treffinger is the author of more than 350 articles, chapters, and books. He has written and conducted research on the nature, assessment, and nurture of creativity and Creative Problem Solving, as well as problem-solving styles, gifted education, and talent development. He has given presentations and workshops worldwide, and served as a consultant to numerous local, state, national, and international organizations. He has received the Distinguished Service Award and the E. Paul Torrance Creativity Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, the Creativity Research Award from the World Council on the Gifted and Talented, and the Risorgimenti Creativity Award from the Destination ImagiNation program.

• List of Figures List of Tables Authors’ Foreword Preface Chapter 1: Introduction Creative and Critical Thinking Myths and Misconceptions Importance of Creativity Basic Guidelines Basic Tools Summary Chapter 2: CPS Overview CPS as a System for Solving Problems and Managing Change Summary Chapter 3: Planning Your Approach Appraising Tasks Designing Process Summary Chapter 4: Understanding the Challenge Constructing Opportunities Exploring Data Framing Problems Summary Chapter 5: Generating Ideas The Generating Phase Focusing Ideas Summary Chapter 6: Preparing for Action 63 Developing Solutions Building Acceptance Chapter 7: Applying CPS Debriefing What Contributes to Successful Group CPS Applications? Learning and Applying CPS in Many Settings Conclusion References